Demosthenes: Statesman and Orator

Demosthenes’ political power, set against the reigns of Philip II and Alexander the Great of Macedon, stretched over thirty years. Successive generations have judged him the statesman par excellence, and his oratory as some of the finest to survive from classical Greece. His reputation is such that he is still quoted in speeches by modern politicians, and is often viewed as the supreme example of a patriot. Yet, conversely, Demosthenes’ political career led to the defeat of Greece by Macedon, and the loss of Greek autonomy. In spite of his undoubted individual importance in fourth-century Greek history, recent scholarship has tended to focus on Demosthenes in the context of his era. This volume redresses the balance, with a thoroughgoing study of the man and his career. Leading scholars discuss Demosthenes’ emergence on the political scene; the validity of his anti-Macedonian policy as it affected Athens and Greece; how his speeches came to be regarded so highly, and whether their reputation is justified; and his influence as both statesman and orator. This cohesive and comprehensive work is a landmark in the study of Demosthenes. It will be of immense value to all students and scholars of classical Greek history and oratory. Ernst Badian, Timothy Ryder, Ian Worthington, John Buckler, Mark Golden, David Mirhady, Robert Milns, Craig Cooper, Philip Harding.